The NRL has reportedly issued a warning to the PNG Chiefs following noteworthy remarks made earlier this year by a board member regarding star halfback Nathan Cleary.
Chiefs director Marcus Bai garnered attention in March when he expressed his desire to see Nathan Cleary representing PNG.
"When locals here talk about Nathan Cleary, the people say he is the brother-in-law … everyone is claiming Nathan Cleary because his girlfriend has PNG heritage," he remarked.
"If Nathan Cleary turned up at the airport, he wouldn't get out the doors, he would be leaving in a car with the prime minister," he continued.
"I can tell you now, if Nathan Cleary signs for PNG, it will stop the whole nation."
These statements resurfaced recently after being republished on Friday alongside reports about the Chiefs potentially making Cleary the highest-paid player in NRL history.
Bai's comments have drawn scrutiny, especially after the NRL penalized Perth and Mal Meninga in June for mentioning Cleary and others as targets for free agency on November 1.
In January, the NRL clarified that new regulations would deter any public interference in contract negotiations.
"Clubs have been advised that the definition of tampering will now include certain public and private statements that could be seen as attempts to lure or entice a player to join another club," added the statement.